NELMA’s 5th annual Eastern White Pine Grader’s Competition was held Saturday, February 9, hosted by Hancock Lumber Company’s Pittsfield, Maine sawmill facility.   A total of 52 graders representing 10 mills from Maine and New Hampshire participated in this year’s event.   Aside from testing their skills at correctly grading 50 sample boards within a 5-minute time limit, the graders enjoyed a lively “Lumber Quiz Time”, a tour of the Pittsfield mill, and an in-depth discussion with the NELMA experts on the correct grade of the sample lumber pieces after the individual competition portion of the day.

 

“This four-hour session offers graders from around New England a unique opportunity to join others in their profession for a fun time, mixed with important continuing education activities” according to Marc Moore, NELMA’s Director of Inspection Services. “The Association is proud to continue sponsoring this event as a beneficial service to the lumber industry in the Northeast.” Cash awards totaling $1,475 were given to the Top Ten individual high scores. The winner of the 2008 individual grader award went to first-time participant, Mike Keister of Hancock Lumber’s Pittsfield, Maine mill, followed by Mike Rafuse of Irving Forestr Product’s Dixfield, Maine mill in second place. Cory Price of Hancock Lumber’s Pittsfield, Maine mill finished in third place.